Thai authorities have defrocked and arrested four Buddhist monks after a temple raid uncovered drugs, weapons and explicit materials, further straining public trust in the clergy.
Four Buddhist monks have been arrested after police allegedly found drugs, pornographic material, sex toys and escort directories at Phrom Sunthon Monastery in Chonburi, Thailand. Officers raided the temple on January 27 following reports of firearm and drug possession, discovering cash, a pistol and explicit items in monks’ rooms.
Three monks reportedly tested positive for methamphetamine and were defrocked alongside the temple abbot. Colonel Saksilp Kamnoedsin said: “The three monks found to be using drugs will be sent to the police and relevant authorities for rehabilitation.” One monk claimed drug use was to manage pain, saying: “It’s for relieving nerve pain.”